Raiders' Dennis Allen sees encouraging signs from opening loss

Coach Dennis Allen acknowledged Saturday the Raiders had better get used to the way games will be officiated this season but saw enough good things in a 10-6 road loss a day earlier to the Minnesota Vikings to be encouraged.

"The penalties were the biggest thing we had to deal with, and a couple of those things at this year's points of emphasis with defensive holding or illegal contact downfield," Allen said in a conference call with local reporters.

A facemask penalty on Brian Leonhardt also fell into that category, Allen said.

"I don't know that in the past you would see some of these things called, but with the rules and points of emphasis, we're going to see those things,'' Allen said. "It was good for us to get out, play a game and see how officials are going to call those things.''

Allen said he was "not displeased'' with the performance of starting quarterback Matt Schaub, noting three potential first down passes that were dropped. Schaub was 3 of 7 for 21 yards.

"We obviously need to play better and be more consistent, but there were things to build on,'' Allen said.

Allen said getting rookie quarterback Derek Carr work with the first team was "not part of the plan right now.''

Rookie starting strong side linebacker Khalil Mack, Allen said, was able to cause "disruption'' on a couple of pass rushes but overall "I think you saw a guy playing in his first NFL game.''

Rookies who impressed Allen included defensive end Shelby Harris and cornerback T.J. Carrie. Both are seventh-round picks who look as if they will not only make the 53-man roster but potentially be a part of the regular rotation.

Other than defensive tackle Justin Ellis (concussion), the only other player to come out of the game injured was safety Jansen Watson with a toe injury of undetermined severity.

The Raiders return to practice Sunday at 3 p.m. They break training camp with a Monday morning practice then travel to Oxnard to practice against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Defensive back Shelton Johnson and linebacker Marshall McFadden were placed on injured reserve.